Job Description

Job Introduction

Are you ready to take the lead in financial integrity and reporting excellence?


As our Senior Financial Accountant, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of the West Midlands Combined Authority. From preparing statutory financial statements to guiding teams across the organisation, you'll be the go-to expert for technical accounting support.


This is your opportunity to influence financial strategy, ensure compliance with key regulations, and help deliver a high-quality, well-controlled finance service that makes a real impact.

What you will be doing.

Support the Group Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager in identifying process improvement opportunities and risks; and implementing process improvement activities and controls to mitigate risks. Working with the Group Financial Accounting & Reporting Manager on implementation of new accounting standards in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. Providing financial accounting advice and technical support to the finance team and the wider organisation including subsidiaries. Providing financial accounting training to non-finance and finance teams in support of the Group Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager where required. Managing and supporting the development of the finance team, participating in regular 121's, giving and collating feedback, being supportive, being encouraging, being a motivator and an excellent role model, always seeking to get the best out of yourself and others. Preparing statutory financial statements for the West Midlands Combined Authority and its group in compliance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting and relevant legislations. Leading in the preparation and review of monthly Balance Sheet reporting including key reconciliations and control accounts. Participating and managing internal and external audit requests and other compliance activities in support of the Group Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager. Working with the Group Financial Accounting & Reporting Manager to ensure implementation and compliance of financial policies and controls. Working with the Lead Special Project Accountant and the financial accounting - capital team to ensure compliance with capital accounting in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, Local Authority Capital Accounting and relevant legislations. Managing the grants process ensuring proper accounting practices.

What's essential.

CCAB qualified accountant with current active membership body status. Strong background with proven experience in financial accounting, with hands-on experience in month-end close, Balance Sheet reporting including reconciliations, and preparing period and final statutory accounts. Experience in dealing with senior staff and other internal stakeholders and supporting them in carrying out their duties. Experience in dealing with external auditors. Awareness, understanding and experience of working in a public sector organisation with a high level of public and government scrutiny and the management of various grants and income streams. In-depth knowledge of Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards. In-depth knowledge of accounting systems, procedures and practices. Self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative and as part of a busy team, with experience of delivering to strict deadlines. Strong communication and inter-personal skills, comfortable with liaising with other teams and external parties. High attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and the ability to produce work to an excellent presentational standard. Desire and ability to learn and develop new skills and be able to embrace change with a 'can do' attitude. Advanced Excel skills and confident in handling large data sets. Resilient under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply

.


Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

Create your Careers Account.

Register with your name, email address, and a password.

Build your Profile.

Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.

Write your Supporting Statement.

Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.

Submit your application.

Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and

only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting

. Be thorough in each section. it's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.


Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the

FAQs

section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.


We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Local Government Pension Scheme (

one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK

).

28 days

paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)

EV car benefit scheme

Ethical

saving options

and

healthcare plans.

Discounted

gym membership, will writing

and

mortgage advice.

An option to

buy a bicycle

, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.

3 days

of paid leave each year to

volunteer

.

Interest free financing

through SmartTech to buy the latest technology

Discounted shopping

with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the

benefits page

on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.


We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with 'Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.


We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.


We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.


Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).